Overhearing Co-workers Gives You Fair Warning

JUNE HALL I HEAR YA

April 1, 2000|JUNE HALL

Dear June: I went to work early one day to finish a project. When I got there, a couple of my co-workers were standing in the hallway saying something negative about someone who just received a promotion.

They jumped when they saw me, so I asked if something was wrong. Of course, they changed the conversation and just said that I surprised them by coming in early.

I just received a promotion and another person did also. They had to be talking about one of us. I'm friendly and talkative with everybody, but now I'm uncomfortable around my co-workers after this incident.

I never thought that there would be jealousy issues, but I must be wrong. How do I handle this situation? I don't want to make anyone else feel uncomfortable. -- No Name, No City

Dear No Name: How considerate of you not to want anyone else to feel uncomfortable. That's a huge responsibility that you should not wear on your shoulders.

It's inevitable that in a work environment jealousy and uneasiness will come into play after a promotion. There's the competition of those who are vying for the promotion, as well as the disappointments of those who know they don't even meet the qualifications to apply for an advanced position.

As far as your situation, you have to count your blessings. It may sound ridiculous, but consider this. Had you not overheard this gossip about someone with a promotion, you would not be wary of them. This, in turn, means that you probably would continue to share more information than you should with people that you simply cannot trust.

Now you are aware of their ways and realize you should keep your distance. This doesn't mean that you should ignore them or treat them rudely. It simply means that you should be cautious of what you say on two counts -- personally and professionally.

You just received a promotion and are working on your career. You don't need to involve yourself with office gossip or any negativity. Continue to show kindness and respect to everyone while keeping a mental distance. You may also want to read some affirmations to keep yourself uplifted on a personal level.

Don't let others bring you down, because that's want they want. Choose not to let that happen and you will be the one who comes out on top.

June Hall appears every Thursday and Saturday. You can write to her c/o P.O. Box 17362, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318 or send her e-mail at advice@mediaone.net. Please include a daytime phone number for verification.